tasting notes from the north

MonTirius Vacqueyras Le Clos 2009

What is it: Full bodied and spicy red wine from Southern RhôneWhere: AOC Vacqueyras was established 1990 and the district is located north east of Châteuneuf-du-PapeWho’s done it: Eric and Christine Saurel at MonTirus VignoblesVineyard: Le Clos is a parcel of 8,5 ha of garrigue soil (chalk-clay) with pockets of blu clay marl over sand and sandstone. The vineyards is sheltered by 100 year old oak wood on each sides. Yield 31 hl/ha (35 is the legal limit). Goblet or Royat cordon pruning with a maximum of 6 spurs and 2 buds. 50/50 procent grenache and moruvèdre. The estate is fully bio-dynamique since 1996.Winery: Traditional winemaking with total destemming and the grapes were lightly crushed before fermentation. No oak maturation or use of oak what so ever! Or “non-boisé” as they like to say. Production 40 000 bottles

Colour: Dark red with a blue rimNose: Expressive young smell of dark and red berries, spice (herb’s the provence or garrigue – choose your pick), chocolate and fudge. Notes of black pepper, meat and leather. Just a bit volatile – which gives the fruit a lift.Taste: Full bodied, rather mellow and concentrated taste of dark berries (blackberries), herbs, chocolate and tobacco. Fiery with notes of minerals, meat and with ripe tannins that is carried by a luscious fruit. Long and young aftertaste.Verdict: A powerful and lovely wine from a truly great vintage that will keep 3-8 years!